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William McTaggart Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by William McTaggart our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide William McTaggart · 1835 – 1910

Storm Cloud

Experience William McTaggart’s "Storm Cloud," a dramatic abstract expressionist seascape. Bold colors & impasto evoke raw power. A captivating piece for art collectors.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

The Sailing of the Emigrant Ship

1895 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

A dramatic symphony of light and loss captures the emotional departure of emigrants in this 1895 Impressionist seascape by William McTaggart, inviting you to explore the profound beauty of this Scottish masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17534 × 30 cm Commission this artwork

Molly, Mary Gavin

1874 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

A charming 1874 portrait of a young girl in a blue lace dress by Scottish Impressionist William McTaggart captures a warm and inviting domestic scene that invites you to explore this timeless masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Spring

1864 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

Experience the pastoral joy of William McTaggart's Spring (1864), capturing childhood innocence amidst Scottish nature; discover this beautiful scene today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

The Artist's Mother (Barbara Brodie or Brolochan, Mrs Dugald McTaggart, died 1884)

Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh · original 92.5 x 68.1cm

This poignant oil portrait by William McTaggart captures an elderly woman with expressive brushwork. Discover this intimate masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$33168 × 93 cm Commission at original size

'The Belle' (The Artist's Daughter, Jean Isobel McTaggart, 1880 - 1955)

1885 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh · original 151.0 x 91.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17524 × 41 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$54891 × 151 cm Commission at original size

Life Study of a Standing Nude Male Model

1859 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

Experience William McTaggart's 1859 study blending Impressionist brushwork with a dramatic nude figure against crimson drapery; discover this Scottish masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Life Study of a Female Nude Model with her Left Arm Raised

1859 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

Explore William McTaggart's evocative life study of a nude female model, capturing the serene beauty of Scottish landscape and blending Impressionistic techniques with soulful observation.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17525 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

A Study of Oak Leaves in Autumn (Self-portrait)

1892 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh · original 83.8 x 71.2cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$32171 × 84 cm Commission at original size

A Study of Two Female Nude Models

1858 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh · original 61.0 x 58.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20029 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$27558 × 61 cm Commission at original size

Mrs Leiper

1872 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Life Study of a Female Nude Model Seated on White Drapery

1854 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

Discover William McTaggart’s "Life Study of a Female Nude" (1854). A stunning academic realism painting featuring a seated nude on draped white fabric. Explore its rich detail & timeless beauty – perfect for art lovers.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Going to Sea

original 84 x 71 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$32171 × 84 cm Commission at original size

The Sailor's Yarn

Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh · original 15.8 x 13.3cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Mrs William Lawrie

1881 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

The Past and the Present

1860 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh · original 22.3 x 27.4cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$25037 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

The Young Fishers

1876 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh · original 72.4 x 108.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$22539 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$426108 × 72 cm Commission at original size

Life Study of a Seated Male Nude Holding a Staff

1850 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh · original 35.2 x 26.5cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Life Study of a Seated Nude Male Model

1859 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Mrs (James Guthrie) Orchar

1886 · Mcmanus: Dundee's Art Galleries And Museums, Dundee

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Halfway Home

1869 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh

Discover William McTaggart’s ‘Halfway Home,’ a captivating 1869 oil painting of a young girl on the beach. Romantic style, loose brushwork & vibrant color – explore this evocative landscape.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Sketch of a church door

1860 · Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh · original 40.5 x 33.5cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18634 × 41 cm Commission at original size

Jeannie (Miss Jean Halley)

1873 · Mcmanus: Dundee's Art Galleries And Museums, Dundee

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Father is at the Helm

Explore 'Father is at the Helm' by William McTaggart – a dramatic oil painting of resilience & hardship aboard a stormy ship. Realistic style, golden light, and emotional depth.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20037 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Father is at the Helm

1889

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 117 artworks by William McTaggart
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

William McTaggart

1835 – 1910

Quick facts

Room fitliving room
Works on APS117
Art period19th Century
Died1910
Also known asWilliam MacTaggart, William, I MacTaggart, William MacTaggart I, William Mac Taggart, William MacTaggart (Sir)
Mediumsoil on canvas
Top-ranked workStorm Cloud
Best occasionsaccent

Biography

William McTaggart: Bridging the Divide Between Landscape and Soul

William McTaggart (1835-1910) stands as a pivotal figure in late 19th and early 20th century Scottish art, a painter who masterfully navigated the evolving currents of Impressionism while retaining a deeply rooted connection to his native landscape. Born on the windswept Kintyre Peninsula in Scotland – a region sculpted by the relentless Atlantic – McTaggart’s work is more than mere depiction; it's an intimate exploration of light, atmosphere, and the profound relationship between humanity and nature. His legacy lies not just in the beauty of his paintings but also in his courageous attempt to synthesize observation with feeling, a pursuit that defined much of his artistic journey.

McTaggart’s early life was shaped by the stark realities of rural existence. He was born into a crofter family – farmers who cultivated small plots of land – and witnessed firsthand the dramatic shifts in weather and light across the rugged coastline. This formative experience instilled within him an acute sensitivity to the natural world, a quality that would later permeate his art. Initially drawn to portraiture, influenced by the guidance of Daniel MacNee in Edinburgh, McTaggart’s focus gradually shifted towards capturing the essence of the Scottish landscape. He moved away from purely representational approaches, embracing the Impressionist technique of *plein air* painting – working directly outdoors to capture fleeting moments of light and color.

His artistic development was inextricably linked to his personal life. The loss of his wife, Marjory, in 1884 profoundly impacted McTaggart’s work, leading him towards a more introspective style. Following her death, he relocated to Lasswade near Edinburgh, where he found solace and inspiration in the rolling hills of the Moorfoot Hills. This period marked a significant shift in his artistic focus, with an increased emphasis on capturing the subtle nuances of light and color across these familiar landscapes. His paintings during this time are characterized by a remarkable sense of atmosphere – a feeling of stillness and contemplation that invites the viewer to lose themselves within the scene.

McTaggart’s technique was both disciplined and intuitively expressive. He meticulously observed the effects of light on water, capturing its shimmering reflections and transient moods with remarkable skill. His brushwork is loose yet controlled, conveying a sense of movement and immediacy. He employed a vibrant palette, often utilizing complementary colors to heighten the intensity of his scenes. While undeniably influenced by Impressionism – particularly the work of Constable and Turner – McTaggart never fully embraced its detached objectivity. Instead, he infused his landscapes with an emotional depth that distinguished him from many of his contemporaries. His paintings aren’t simply representations of places; they are expressions of a deeply felt connection to the natural world.

Beyond his technical mastery, McTaggart's work holds significant historical importance. He was one of the first Scottish artists to fully embrace Impressionism, adapting it to the unique character of the Scottish landscape. His paintings helped to establish a distinctly Scottish voice within the broader European art movement. His dedication to capturing the ephemeral qualities of light and atmosphere paved the way for future generations of Scottish landscape painters. Today, William McTaggart’s work continues to resonate with viewers, offering a poignant reminder of the enduring beauty and power of the natural world.

Key Works & Artistic Style

The Past and The Present (1860): This early work exemplifies McTaggart’s interest in depicting childhood innocence, reflecting influences from Pre-Raphaelite painters. It showcases his developing skill in capturing light and color with a delicate touch.
Seascape at Campbeltown (c. 1870): A prime example of McTaggart’s mastery of depicting the rugged coastline of Kintyre, demonstrating his ability to capture the drama of the sea and sky with a bold use of color and brushwork.
Harvest Field, Carnoustie (c. 1880): This painting exemplifies McTaggart’s later style, characterized by a heightened sense of atmosphere and emotional depth. The muted colors and loose brushstrokes create a feeling of quiet contemplation.
End of the Links (1907): A stunning depiction of the coastline near Campbeltown, showcasing McTaggart’s ability to capture the subtle nuances of light and color on water and sand.

Influences & Artistic Connections

McTaggart's artistic journey was shaped by a diverse range of influences. His early exposure to portraiture under Daniel MacNee instilled in him a strong sense of observation and technical skill. The Impressionist painters, particularly Constable and Turner, provided him with a framework for capturing the fleeting effects of light and color. He also drew inspiration from Scottish landscape painters such as George Washington Henderson, whose work explored similar themes of rural life and the natural world.

His connection to the Royal Academy was significant, allowing him access to exhibitions and opportunities for professional development. However, McTaggart’s artistic vision extended beyond the confines of academic tradition. He sought to create a uniquely Scottish style – one that captured the spirit of his homeland with honesty and emotional depth.

Legacy & Historical Significance

William McTaggart's contribution to Scottish art is undeniable. He was a pioneer in adapting Impressionism to the specific characteristics of the Scottish landscape, establishing a distinctively Scottish voice within the broader European art movement. His paintings are celebrated for their atmospheric qualities, emotional depth, and technical mastery.

Beyond his artistic achievements, McTaggart’s work offers valuable insights into the relationship between humanity and nature. His paintings invite viewers to contemplate the beauty of the natural world and our place within it. He remains a beloved figure in Scottish art history, admired for his skill, sensitivity, and unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of the Scottish landscape.

Questions & Answers

What are the birthplace and birth year of William McTaggart?

William McTaggart was born in Argyll and Bute in 1835.

Where can I see the color profile of William McTaggart's work?

The color profile of William McTaggart's work is shown on the artist's Palette Genome page.

Where are William McTaggart's artworks organized by color?

William McTaggart's works can be explored by color on the artist's Spectral Index page.

By the ArtsDot.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 1, 2026

Collector's quiz

Where was William McTaggart born?
What artistic movement is William McTaggart most associated with?
Early in his career, McTaggart primarily painted:
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What is a key characteristic of McTaggart's style, evident in his landscapes?

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